The Missing Postman (1997 TV Movie) User Reviews

A Lovely British Production

[moaboa · 8/10 · 3 April 2004]

I saw this movie divided into a mini-series a couple of years ago and I absolutely loved it.

The movie's about Clive, who has worked as a postman forever. When he is to be replaced by new technology, he suffers a bit of a black-out. Clive takes his post-bag containing letters for people living all over Britain and gets on his bike to personally deliver them. On his journey he meets people who in different ways affect his life...

What I liked about this movie was that it was such a nice little story about one man's life. It wasn't any sort of hero-movie; like "will Clive be able to change the whole system and get rid of the machines", it was simply a portrait of one man and his life.

Brilliant!

[keithg1xfl · 8/10 · 15 February 2007]

I'm not normally a Fan of James Bolam, but he was made for this part, Its one of the best pieces of Drama I've seen for years.

It's the story of a postman forced into retirement by automation, he tries working, in McDonalds, Metal detecting etc, but they are not for him so he decides to deliver his last bag of mail personally, to addresses all over the UK (and even slightly beyond) and the film is about his trials and tribulations on the way.James Bolam should have got an Oscar or whatever because he was brilliant, in fact the whole film was brilliant. Its the sort of story that everyone can associate with

I just wish they would release it on DVD (or does anyone know something?)

A Gem!

[eamole · 8/10 · 23 May 2016]

This is a gem of a production from the BBC. They have given it a treatment one would more traditionally associate with ITV, and have done themselves proud.

I won't reiterate the plot as that has adequately been described above, and probably more succinctly than I could achieve. I never write reviews, but the paucity of comment compelled me to at least register my distinct pleasure basking in this production.

It has a leisurely pace, without feeling slow. It feels constantly fresh, reinforced by the delightfully simple score, and the stunning visuals.

It is a romantic tale, in the mold of Cervantes rather than Barbara Cartland. It is a charming, heart-warming story, with a clever satirical bite, societal commentary, and subtle humour. It explores some lofty concepts such as the pursuit of happiness, sense of duty, freedom of choice, and life's purpose.

While it may not be everyone's cup of tea, I think it is so delicately and cleverly written that it has broader appeal than first appearances might suggest. It was, for me, a beautiful, serendipitous find, and well deserving of its 8.1 ranking. Well done, and thank you to all concerned.

Absolutely wonderful

[luciakristina · 10/10 · 29 January 2023]

I'm German and just love British protections.

The acting, screenplay and plot in this film are just magnificent. Putting it simply, it's a gentle one man's journey to himself. All other characters contribute to his growth along there way - while his wife has to grapple with being left alone to cope but it has a mixed effect on her. Venting her frustration and grief by doing major house renovations, she is forced to reflect on the state of her marriage. Her character's growth is as evident as Clive's own journey. Every character is well drawn and beautifully acted.

I apologize for my substandard English but I just had to express my appreciation of this great little/big movie.

Wonderful.

[mikeiskorn · 8/10 · 31 July 2021]

A beautifully heartfelt story with an all star UK cast. Funny to see Larry and Alison in that one scene together .. who knew years later! Anyway, speaking of the Missing Postman, the idea behind the story, a man not giving up and letting technology take over was done in a very sensitive way. James Bolam portrays his character soo realistic and the scene where he describes how his wife lost their baby was gut wrenching. If you like 90s UK tv shows, you will love this.

A great British road movie.

[kimdino-1 · 9/10 · 5 February 2021]

In 'Continental Drifters' Rich Hall declares that it would be impossible to set a road movie in Britain. This series proves that wrong.

Plot Outline:- Clive is a postie who loves his job but is being forced into retirement by new technology. So, after emptying the last postbox at the end of his last day, he suddenly decides not to return to the sorting office to hand in his uniform & bike, but instead decides to deliver the letters himself. So begins an adventure well worth watching , with all the drama, heartache & joy of the best road movies. There is even his having to evade the police trailing him.

With James Bolam perfectly cast as Clive, Alison Steadman as the wife left at home and Jim Carter as the pursuing policeman, there are great performances. These and the excellent script provide a very enjoyable three hours of entertainment. thart rival Easy Rider, Vanishing Point, Thelma & Louise etc. And even if you aren't a road movie lover, this is still a great light drama of the 'Doc Martin', 'Withnail & I' type..

Great

[trz1951 · 10/10 · 5 November 2020]

I remember it well even though it's been more than 20 years. I'm watching library copy of "When the Boat Comes In" with James Bolam right now. Superb. Those were the days of superior British productions. The Englishers have acting in their blood.

Why can't PBS re-run some of those classic shows instead of peats and repeats and re-repeats of its current programming?

Masterpiece Theater isn't what it used to be, in my opinion. War and Peace, Upstairs, Downstairs, Duchess of Duke Street. I Claudius et al. A Golden era.

A gem of a series

[safenoe · 9/10 · 13 April 2021]

I watched The Missing Postman over 20 years ago, and what a charming slice of English postman life, with the protaganist played by James Bolam, who later was a main cast member of New Tricks. Alison Steadman plays his on-screen wife, and she was famous for The Singing Detective. The Missing Postman played upon the tension between good ol' fashioned human service and cutting edge modern technology.

I wish there was a reboot of this series starring Danny Dyer and Helena Bonham Carter.